Are you dreaming of hiking the Great Ocean Walk? With 104km of epic coastline, lush rainforest, and remote beaches stretching from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, it’s one of Australia’s most iconic multi-day hikes. But if you’re just starting to plan your walk, the logistics can feel a bit overwhelming!
At Walk91, we’ve helped thousands of hikers just like you for over 20 years. Based locally in Apollo Bay, we’re the only business solely dedicated to the Great Ocean Walk — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
So, read on to discover some of our top tips. And remember, if you need any help planning your walk, please feel free to just get in touch! You can either complete the whole trail in 4 Days (if you are very fit), 5, 6, or 7 days, (most popular) or choose a 3-day hike that includes some of the best bits (and there are a few!). You can browse our range of Self-Guided Great Ocean Walk Tours to get started, or keep reading below for our step-by-step guide to planning your Great Ocean Walk!
Where Does the Great Ocean Walk Start and End?
The Great Ocean Walk officially begins in Apollo Bay, right on the Great Ocean Road, just outside the Apollo Bay Information Centre. From there, the trail winds its way along Victoria’s spectacular coastline for 104 kilometres, finishing at the world-famous Twelve Apostles.
Do You Have to Walk the Entire 104 km?
Absolutely not! The beauty of the Great Ocean Walk is its flexibility — you can walk for a single day, a weekend, or the full week.
One of the most popular short walks is the Shelly Beach to Apollo Bay section. This scenic 8 km stretch is ideal for day trippers — you can leave your car in Apollo Bay, get dropped off at Shelly Beach car park, and walk back into town at your own pace.
If you prefer something a little shorter, park at Marengo Beach and walk from Shelly Beach to the Marengo Marine Sanctuary. This version is around 6 km, offering a gentle mix of fern-lined forest trails, coastal viewpoints, and beach walking.
Walk91 Tip: Check the tide charts before setting out, and keep your eyes peeled for koalas in the eucalyptus trees and Southern Right Whales offshore during the winter months!
Choose the Distance That Suits You
Of course, this is just the beginning of the adventure. The Great Ocean Walk can be enjoyed in sections, and Walk91 offers flexible itineraries from 3 to 10 days, depending on how much (or how little) you’d like to walk.
You can go slow and scenic, take a rest day in Apollo Bay, or challenge yourself to complete the full journey to the Twelve Apostles.
Every step is up to you — and with Walk91’s local support, daily transfers, and expert advice, you can simply walk, relax, and take it all in.
Read our Ultimate Great Ocean Walk Itinerary: A Customised Guide for Every Hiker for more of our insights!
Great Ocean Walk Tide Safety and Coastal Sections: What You Need to Know
Parts of the trail require beach walking, which means checking the tides, weather, and ocean swell. This is critical for your safety on the walk.
Key areas that can be tide-affected:
- Parker Inlet
- Milanesia Beach
- Johanna Beach (the Walk91 team is pictured crossing Johanna River above).
- Wreck Beach
- Rainbow Falls detour
⚠️ These sections are stunning but can be dangerous at high tide or in large surf.
Walk91 provides tide charts, daily weather updates, and advice on when to walk — or avoid — these areas for all our walkers. If you’re walking unsupported, make sure to check tide times and have backup plans in place. You can also read our Guide to Staying Safe Along the Great Ocean Walk for more details.
Do You Need a Map for the Great Ocean Walk?
Yes — and not just any map. We recommend the official Parks Victoria Great Ocean Walk map, especially if you’re self-guided. For those walking with Walk91, we supply detailed daily maps and personal notes, highlighting:
- Pick-up and exit points
- Rest spots
- Beach entry/exit routes
- Emergency contact info
This is key to staying safe, especially if you decide to change your plans mid-walk.
If you are not ready to purchase the Great Ocean Walk Official Map quite yet, you can download our free planning map which will help you on your planning journey!
Great Ocean Walk Maps and Guidebooks
When you walk with Walk91, we provide you with the official Great Ocean Walk Map Booklet — a compact, easy-to-carry mini guidebook packed with useful trail notes and local insights.
Some walkers, however, prefer the larger fold-out two-sided map, which gives you a great overview of the entire trail at a glance. It’s perfect for visualising your progress day by day — though do keep in mind that the big map can get a little worn or torn after a few days on the trail, especially if it’s damp or windy!
For those after something sturdier, the Great Ocean Walk Guidebook Notebook is a slightly more expensive option, but it’s more durable and water-resistant — ideal for multi-day walkers.
If you arrive in Apollo Bay without a map, don’t worry — you can purchase one at the Apollo Bay Information Centre (No. 100 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Victoria 3233), conveniently located right at the starting point of the Great Ocean Walk.
And remember, if you’re walking with Walk91, we’ll supply either the official booklet or the fold-out map, whichever you prefer. During your pre-walk briefing, we’ll also walk you through key landmarks, safety tips, and everything you need to know before you hit the trail.
How Do You Manage Luggage on the Great Ocean Walk?
One of the most common questions we’re asked is:
“Do I have to carry everything on my back?”
The answer is yes — if you’re walking unsupported. Some walkers prefer to carry all their gear, hiking in and out of campsites each day. It’s a great challenge and a true wilderness experience — but it also means carrying your tent, food, clothes, and supplies for the full journey.
But with Walk91, you don’t have to!
We make your walk easier by transferring your luggage between accommodations each day. That means you can walk freely with just a light daypack, while still having access to:
- A change of clothes
- Toiletries and personal items
- Charging gear
- Food supplies (if you’re self-catering)
If you are self-catering, we’ll even include your food in your daily luggage transfers.
If you’d rather not shop and prepare your own meals, Walk91 also offers a food delivery service offering delicious homemade meals. This option is exclusively for guests who are being fully supported by us during their Great Ocean Walk adventure.
So, whether you’re walking for three days or the full seven, you can travel light, walk comfortably, and enjoy every step of this world-class trail without the extra weight on your shoulders.
What About Campsites and Accommodation along the Great Ocean Walk?
Campsite Options on the Great Ocean Walk
1. Hike-In Campsites
These campsites are tucked away in beautiful, secluded bush settings, designed specifically for walkers. They offer a true wilderness experience, with drop toilets, tent platforms, and no showers. You’ll need to carry your camping gear (unless Walk91 is transferring your luggage), but the reward is camping under a canopy of stars with the ocean nearby.
2. Drive-In Campsites
Some larger drive-in sites are located near the trail and can accommodate school groups or tour groups. Facilities are still basic — no showers or running water — but they’re slightly easier to access by vehicle.
Walk91 Tip: Campsites must be booked in advance through Parks Victoria for a small fee, and rangers do patrol the sites — so keep your booking confirmation handy. Always check the fire safety notices at each campsite and follow all bushfire “watch and act” instructions displayed on notice boards.
Top Campsites On The Great Ocean Walk. Walk91 can also offer camping packages (so that you don’t have to carry your gear for most of the walk), or organise B&Bs, and everything in between. We can even mix a bit of both with our 6-Day Great Ocean Walk accommodation and camping itinerary. Just get in touch for more details.
Great Ocean Walk Hike-In Campsites
Below are the official Parks Victoria hike-in campsites, listed in order from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles:
| Section | Campsite | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Bay → Eliot Ridge | Eliot Ridge | 10 km |
| Eliot Ridge → Blanket Bay | Blanket Bay | 12 km |
| Blanket Bay → Cape Otway | Cape Otway | 11 km |
| Cape Otway → Aire River | Aire River | 10 km |
| Aire River → Johanna Beach | Johanna Beach | 14 km |
| Johanna Beach → Ryans Den | Ryans Den | 14 km |
| Ryans Den → Devils Kitchen | Devils Kitchen | 13 km |
| Devils Kitchen → 12 Apostles | 12 Apostles | 16 km |
Booking Tip: Campsites fill up quickly in peak months (March, April, September, and October) — especially during long weekends and school holidays — so it’s best to book early.
Guesthouses, Cabins & Lodges
If camping isn’t your style, there are plenty of comfortable accommodation options along the Great Ocean Walk — from cosy bed & breakfasts to eco-cabins and boutique lodges.
With Walk91’s self-guided packages, you can choose to:
- Camp under the stars with luggage transfers
- Stay in local B&Bs and lodges with hot showers and home-cooked meals
- Mix both camping and comfort in one itinerary, such as our popular 6-Day Great Ocean Walk
We’ll take care of the logistics, transfers, and bookings — so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Is There an Entry Fee for the Great Ocean Walk?
No, which is great! While you walk through Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks, there’s currently no permit or entry fee just to walk the trail. (Tour operators have to pay a fee to use the National Park for business purposes, but if you are going it alone, there is no fee). However, if you’re camping in Parks Victoria campsites, fees do apply, and bookings are essential.
Finishing at the Twelve Apostles: What to Expect
The final day of your walk brings you to the world-famous Twelve Apostles — towering limestone stacks that make for the perfect reward at the end of your journey.
Many Walk91 guests say approaching the Apostles on foot is far more powerful than seeing them from the car park. Be prepared for the busyness of the carpark when you arrive though! It can get very busy at times and it can also be a bit of a shock seeing so many people in one place after such a quiet walk where you hardly see anyone!
If you are walking with us, you can text us when you arrive and we will be waiting for you. We will just pull up at the 12 Apostles kiosk in our bus when you are ready and whisk you away. We’ll then return you to your accommodation in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell — or back to your parked vehicle.
Planning your Great Ocean Walk FAQs
The full Great Ocean Walk is 104 km and usually takes 6–8 days. Walk91 also offers 3-day, 6-day, 7-day, 8-day and 10-day self-guided options, allowing you to choose a pace that suits your fitness and holiday plans.
The walk is graded easy to moderate, with some steep sections, sandy stretches and uneven terrain. Most reasonably fit walkers complete it comfortably, especially when walking pack-free with Walk91’s luggage transfers.
Yes — Walk91 provides daily luggage transfers, allowing you to walk pack-free with just a light daypack. This is the most popular and comfortable way to complete the walk.
No. The Great Ocean Walk is well-marked and ideal for self-guided walking. Walk91 provides maps, tide charts, decision-point guidance, safety briefings and daily support so you can walk independently and confidently.
The most popular months are March–May and September–November for mild weather and stable conditions. Summer offers long daylight hours; winter is quieter with dramatic scenery and fewer crowds.
You’ll need comfortable walking shoes, light layers, waterproof jacket, hat, sunscreen, snacks, and 1–2 litres of water per day. Walk91 provides a detailed Great Ocean Walk packing list during your pre-walk briefing.
Yes. Each hike-in campground has a toilet, untreated rainwater tank and simple shelter. There are no shops or food outlets on the track, so Walk91 arranges meals, water drops or delivery depending on your itinerary.
Most walkers begin in Apollo Bay and finish at the Twelve Apostles, walking east-to-west with the prevailing winds and sun behind them. Walk91 can customise starting points for shorter itineraries.
Coverage is limited. Walk91 provides a Telstra mobile phone if needed and gives every walker an EPIRB emergency beacon for safety and peace of mind.
Yes — campsites and accommodation along the Great Ocean Road book out quickly, especially in peak seasons. Walk91 organises your accommodation and logistics as part of your self-guided walking package.
Plan Your Perfect Great Ocean Walk Itinerary with Walk91
Planning a multi-day walk like this can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you decide to go it alone, read up before you arrive, buy the official Great Ocean Walk map, think carefully about how far you think you can walk each day, and choose whether you would prefer to camp or stay in accommodation (or both). And make sure you come prepared with What to Bring on Your Great Ocean Walk.
With over 20 years of experience, Walk91 can:
- Keep you safe and stress-free, so you can focus on the experience
- Build a custom itinerary to suit your pace and fitness
- Organise accommodation, transport, and luggage transfers
- Provide local insights, weather alerts, and real-time support
Our Great Ocean Walk Tours offer a truly seamless way to experience the natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road Walk. Just get in touch for more details. We look forward to hearing from you!
👉 Get in touch
📞 +61 3 5237 1189
🌐 walk91.com.au
📩 info@walk91.com.au
Let the only local experts help you experience this extraordinary trail safely, comfortably, and exactly the way you want.
